In her nine-year career as a mortgage agent, Amisha Mistry has heard some pretty strange stories. Among those outlandish yarns, she’s also heard tales involving mischief, sad and horrific accounts of people’s lives and anecdotes so hilarious professional comics would pay just to retell the joke.

“There are not many secrets that I haven’t heard over the years,” says Amisha, “I hear a lot about people’s indiscretions. They sometimes feel the need to disclose their secrets when divulging their financial information to me.”

Fortunately for Amisha, that’s the favourite part of her job – the people, not the transgressions. Each person has his or her individual personality and a story to share.

“Learning about people, what makes them tick, warts and all, makes me a better-rounded person,” says the married Toronto resident. “I think it makes you grow as a human being.”

In the process of joining the Sherwood Mortgage Group, Amisha’s job, simply put, is to customize financial plans for clients that line up with their short- and long-term financial goals.

A partner with Freeman Real Estate, Amisha classifies herself as a conservative mortgage lender who prefers to under promise and over deliver rather than the reverse.

The first step in the world of mortgages is to pre-approve a client. Liabilities are measured against assets to arrive at an acceptable loan amount, which for Amisha, who works mainly in the GTA, averages in the neighbourhood of $600,000 to $800,000. Amisha recommends clients stick to a 40 per cent total debt-service ratio, which means all debts – credit cards, lease payments, student loans – should be no more than 40 per cent of your total income.

Mortgage borrowers often make the mistake of seeking a mortgage with too many different lenders. That is so not necessary, says Amisha. Besides, a borrower can actually miss out on the lowest rate by doing so. In addition, using several lenders can hurt your credit rating as credit rating agencies view too much credit-seeking activity as a red flag.

“My advice is to stay in touch with your mortgage professional throughout the whole process. We have the knowledge if rates are going to drop or jump. One mortgage agent can do the job. They will look after your best interest.”

In today’s mortgage market there are a whole range of mortgage products available for nearly every lender. If, for instance, your credit rating is not the best, there are options available. Or perhaps you’re just looking to finance a long-awaited nose job or tummy tuck? Amisha has managed to find loan solutions for nearly every wish, even – ouch — plastic surgery.

To contact Amisha, call 647-203-1607.